Linden Historical Society Homeless Again!

The Linden Historical Society is once again seeking a home to house its collection of historical artifacts, memorabilia and photographs given into its care by the City of Linden and its residents.

The economy and the need for the Linwood Inn to expand into the space occupied by the Society’s museum is the reason the Society cited for relocating…

Beatrice Bernzott Society founder and president pointed out there wouldn’t be the need to seek other quarters if the City honored the agreement between the City and the Society wherein the Society and the City shall “jointly seek a historic site to house a permanent collection of Linden’s archives and artifacts.”

Truncale Homestead

Three times the Society has located sites, the Eiva home on South Wood Avenue, the oldest existing dwelling in Linden; the Truncale Farm on 39 Acre Road now South Stiles Street; and the former home of convicted murderer Robert Zarinski on Bower Street. Councilman Richard Gerbounka and Ed Schulhafer blocked the approval of the Zarinski residence on principal. The Truncale home was lost when Mayor John T. Gregorio set unacceptable conditions for its acquisition. The Eiva house was turned down by the Council’s committee as too much money.

Once again, the Society is presenting another historic house to the City Council for consideration. The former Roll homestead at 2636 Tremley Point Road

The Linden Historical Society had a sidewalk museum for seven years in the windows of the late state Senator Joseph Suliga’s district office on North Wood Avenue in the heart of the City’s shopping district.

The district office was closed after Suliga left office and the museum materials were returned to the Society’s offices.

Afterward the Society created its own version of the popular PBS TV program “Antiques Road Show” by offering Historical programs and exhibits to clubs using photo screens and portable cases while another museum location.

While waiting for the City to approve one of the historic houses presented to it, the Society has launched an on-line museum to continue presenting Linden’s history to the public at http://lindenhistoricalsociety.org. Additionally the Society is taking bookings for 2010 for the History Road Show. Program Chairman call (908)523-0003 to get on the schedule.